As “Misplaced” star Josh Holloway enters the grand hall of the stunning Resort Majestic in Cannes, a radiant smile lights up his face. This infectious joy is sparked by the presence of LaToya Morgan (“The Strolling Lifeless,” “Shameless”), one of the creative forces behind his exciting new HBO Max series, “Duster.” This project marks a long-anticipated reunion with fellow “Misplaced” veteran, J.J. Abrams, igniting nostalgia and excitement for fans of the duo’s previous collaboration.

“Duster” made its global debut outside of competition at Canneseries, evoking the essence of classic 1970s crime dramas. Set in the vibrant Southwest during 1972, the narrative revolves around the FBI’s pioneering Black female agent, portrayed by Rachel Hilson from “This Is Us.” She strives to dismantle a formidable crime syndicate led by the seasoned actor Keith David, with assistance from a charismatic getaway driver, played by Holloway himself. This thrilling premise promises to deliver an engaging experience for both audiences and critics alike.

The journey to bring “Duster” to life has been a remarkable one, initially receiving a direct-to-series green light at HBO back in 2020 as part of Abrams’s extensive deal with WarnerMedia. After a pilot was filmed in 2021 and subsequently re-shot in 2023, production faced delays due to the WGA strikes, but the team’s determination never wavered. The passion and commitment to this project have truly endured through every challenge along the way.

In a conversation with Variety prior to the premiere, Holloway expressed his overwhelming excitement for the series’ release. “It has been quite the journey—life tends to throw curveballs sometimes. J.J. reached out to me, and then the pandemic hit. We finally got to shoot it, only to face some shifts in leadership at HBO, along with various adjustments and different pilots… [JJ] I thought, ‘You know what? We’re still going to make this happen!’” His enthusiasm captures the perseverance that both he and the entire production team have demonstrated throughout the process.

Holloway reflects on the show’s resilience amidst changes, stating, “Our determination shines through in the final product.” He notes that typically, when there are leadership changes, it often leads to a complete overhaul of projects. Each time they managed to keep moving forward, he felt a sense of pride, signifying that the studio recognized the value in their creation. The dedication to the project is a testament to the creative vision behind it.

When discussing the reunion with Abrams, two decades after their collaboration on “Misplaced,” Holloway can hardly contain his excitement: “Are you kidding me!? He called me up and asked if I had a moment to talk, and the answer is always ‘yes’. Whatever he needs, I’m in.” This spontaneous and enthusiastic response underscores the strong professional bond and mutual respect that has developed between the two over the years.

“It was incredibly thrilling to reconnect with him,” Holloway adds. “Then he introduced me to LaToya, and suddenly I found myself watching ‘Into the Badlands,’ realizing that this woman truly understands the craft. She brings a refreshing coolness and a distinct perspective that complements J.J.’s approach beautifully. Their collaborative synergy is remarkable; they manage to be flexible without losing direction, which propels the show forward in a way that feels both subtle and impactful, allowing viewers to absorb every moment without fully grasping what transpired.”

Morgan recalls her initial encounter with Abrams after he discovered one of her scripts, which led to a brainstorming session where they crafted the captivating opening scene of “Duster.” In this scene, a telephone rings in the vast desert, a powerful muscle car arrives, and Josh Holloway emerges to answer the call, setting the tone for the series. Her admiration for Holloway is evident, as she has been a fan since his “Misplaced” days.

“That concept was so captivating, as I have adored Josh since I first saw him in ‘Misplaced,’” Morgan shares. “We spent an hour and a half brainstorming, and it was clear that we should collaborate. I liken our creative process to jazz; he would play a note, and I’d respond with another, and we effortlessly matched each other’s tastes.” This collaborative spirit showcases their shared vision and creative harmony, promising an exciting narrative for viewers.

“Duster” boldly diverges from contemporary television trends by wholeheartedly embracing its tribute to the iconic 1970s crime thriller genre, complete with witty one-liners, high-speed chases, and notorious villains clad in cowboy boots. Morgan reflects on the significance of getting such a unique show greenlit, emphasizing that it underscores the audience’s appetite for original programming and the resurgence of nostalgic throwback series.

“Everything comes back around,” she continues. “For example, you can see how ‘The Pitt’ draws inspiration from ‘ER,’ and our series is undoubtedly a nod to classics like ‘Starsky and Hutch.’ It illustrates the cyclical nature of television programming and trends, demonstrating how nostalgia plays a significant role in viewers’ preferences.” The revival of classic themes indicates a shift in the entertainment landscape, inviting audiences to relive cherished memories.

“When I watch television these days, many shows are brilliantly written and exceptionally engaging, yet they often leave me with what feels like an emotional hangover,” Holloway admits. “They tend to be heavy and dark. What I love about our series is that it captures the essence of the ‘70s in a groovy way. While bad things do happen, the overall vibe remains light-hearted, making it enjoyable.” This refreshing approach stands out in a landscape often dominated by darker narratives.

Holloway expresses appreciation for how each character in “Duster” adds a unique sense of fun and levity to the storyline. He enthusiastically praises his young co-star, Rachel Hilson, stating, “Her character faces prejudice but continues to push forward. I love how she pulls me one way while I pull her in another direction. Our characters continuously cross boundaries and take risks together, fostering a unique bond built on trust and collaboration. It was a phenomenal experience working alongside her.” The dynamic between the characters promises to offer depth and richness to the unfolding narrative.

Another exciting aspect for Holloway was the opportunity to perform his own stunts as the getaway driver, Jim. Upon accepting this role, the actor eagerly enrolled in stunt school and became a certified stunt driver. “Our stunt coordinator, Troy Brown, believed in my abilities even more than I did. He took me to the track, allowed me to practice, and then perform those stunts. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to execute these stunts because the car is almost a character in its own right. If Jim can’t drive, that’s just not cool,” he remarks. This hands-on experience adds an authentic layer to his performance.

With such an enriching experience creating the first season, are the duo eager for a second season of “Duster”? “Absolutely,” Morgan responds enthusiastically. “We have some exciting plans and have already discussed them with the studio and network, so we hope that audiences will tune in and support the series. We’re eager to create more content and expand this universe further.” Her optimism reflects the potential for growth in the series.

“And I’m looking forward to returning to stunt school to refine my skills for future stunts,” Holloway humorously concludes, leaving fans excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for both the show and its cast.